Denver Broncos defensive back Kareem Jackson has tested positive for COVID-19.
The safety told Mike Klis of 9News in Denver he started to feel ill two days ago and was tested. Jackson said he received the results in 24 hours as opposed to the 48 hours it took when teammate Von Miller was diagnosed.
Jackson has cold-like symptoms but expects to make a full recovery. He will quarantine for two weeks.
Talked to Kareem Jackson. Broncos safety started feeling congestion two days ago. Then some chills came in. Was tested this morning. Positive for COVID-19. He will quarantine for 2 weeks. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) June 17, 2020
Jackson has been one of the most active Broncos in the movent for social justice and racial equality. He said he did not believe he became ill from his participation in a recent protest march with teammates.
I asked Kareem Jackson if it was possible he picked up virus during protest march 2 weeks ago. “No the doctor said w/the congestion starting two days ago that I picked it up this weekend. It definitely wasn’t from the march.” He travelled from Denver this past weekend. #9sports https://t.co/o66AN83UoV
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) June 17, 2020
Jackson on whether recent COVID-19 cases among NFL players raising concerns for camp 7/28: “There should have been concerns before guys started testing positive. We’re going to all be in close contact w/each other. Of course there’s going to be guys coming down with it.” #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) June 17, 2020
There is some progress with COVID-19. It took Von Miller 48 hours to get results back from his positive test in mid-April. Kareem Jackson got his results same day as test in mid-June. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) June 17, 2020
Jackson signed with the Broncos in March 2019 after a nine-year career with the Houston Texans. His season came to an end before Week 16 due to a suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. He had 71 tackles and two interceptions.
In addition to Miller and Jackson, Los Angeles Rams center Brian Allen and Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott are other known players to have contracted the novel coronavirus. A report earlier in the week said multiple members of the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans had tested positive for COVID-19.